Turf aerators and assemblies for same

ABSTRACT

A turf aerator includes a frame, a tine shaft rotatably supported by the frame, a plurality of tines coupled to the tine shaft, a swing arm supporting the plurality of tines, and an input. The swing arm being rotatably supported by the frame and configured to rotate the plurality of tines between an operating position and a retracted position. Actuation of the input (i) actuates the swing arm to transition the plurality of tines from the retracted position to the operating position and (ii) activates the tine shaft to move the plurality of tines.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/528,951, filed on Nov. 17, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/361,053, filed on Mar. 21, 2019, whichclaims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.62/646,937, filed on Mar. 23, 2018, all of which are hereby incorporatedby reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Aerators are commonly used to improve turf quality by driving sets ofcoring tines into the ground to remove soil (often in cylindricalportions referred to as “plugs”). This counteracts soil compaction bycreating cavities that permit water and other nutrients to better reachthe roots of the remaining grass, and thereby promotes the overallhealth of the turf. Embodiments of the current disclosure advance theaerator art.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order toprovide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. Thissummary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is notintended to identify critical elements of the invention or to delineatethe scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some conceptsof the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detaileddescription that is presented elsewhere.

In one embodiment, a turf aerator includes a retracting tine assemblyand an input mechanism. The tine assembly includes a plurality of tines,a pair of swing arms, and a linkage for selectively moving the pair ofswing arms and the plurality of tines from the operating position to theretracted position. The pair of swing arms support the plurality oftines and are configured to rotate the plurality of tines between anoperating position to a retracted position. The input is coupled to thelinkage and the input is operable to active the linkage to move the pairof swing arms and the plurality of tines from the operating position tothe retracted position.

In some embodiments, the input includes a foot pedal operable by a foodof an operator.

In some embodiments, the input includes a hand lever operable by a handof an operator.

In some embodiments, a first end of the linkage terminates at the inputand a second end of the linkage is coupled to a keeper bar.

In some embodiments, the turf aerator includes a latch for engaging thekeeper bar when the pair of swing arms and the plurality of tines are inthe retracted position.

In some embodiments, the input and the turf aerator further include asecond input coupled to the latch and configured to disengage the keeperbar from the latch to allow the pair of swing arms and the plurality oftines to move from the retracted position to the operating position.

In some embodiments, the second input includes a release handle operableby a hand of an operator.

In some embodiments, the first input includes a food pedal operable by afood of an operator and the second input includes a release handleoperable by a hand of the operator.

In another embodiment, a turf aerator includes a frame, a tine shaftrotatably supported by the frame, a plurality of tines coupled to thetine shaft, a swing arm supporting the plurality of tines, a linkage,and an input for (i) actuating the linkage to transition the retractorplate from the retracted position to the operating position and (ii)activating the tine shaft to move the plurality of tines. The swing armis rotatably supported by the frame and is configured to rotate theplurality of tines between an operating position and a retractedposition. The linkage selectively moves the swing arm and the pluralityof tines from the operating position to the retracted position.

In some embodiments, a first end of the linkage terminates at a pedal.In some embodiments, the linkage is configured to allow an operator'shands to remain engaged with handles of the aerator when the swing armand the plurality of tines are moving from the operating position to theretracted position.

In some embodiments, a second end of the linkage is rotatably coupled tothe swing arm.

In some embodiments, a second end of the linkage is indirectly rotatablycoupled to the swing arm.

In some embodiments, the tine shaft is a tine crank shaft, and when theinput is not engaged the tine crank shaft is inactive.

In some embodiments, the linkage includes a driving link and a drivenlink operable by the driving link. The driving link defines a linkagefirst end. The driven link has a sliding slot. A distal end of thedriving link has a sliding element passing through the sliding slot andinteracting with the driven link.

In some embodiments, the input includes a cable and a release handle.

In some embodiments, the tine shaft is configured to rotate when theplurality of tines is in the operating position and the retractedposition.

In another embodiment, a turf aerator includes a frame, a tine shaftrotatably supported by the frame, a plurality of tines coupled to thetine shaft, a pair of swing arms supporting the plurality of tines andconfigured to rotate the plurality of tines between an operatingposition and a retracted position, and a linkage for selectively movingthe pair of swing arms and the plurality of tines from the operatingposition to the retracted position. The first end of the linkageterminates at a pedal.

In some embodiments, the linkage includes a driving link and a drivenlink operable by the driving link. The driving link defining the linkagefirst end. The driven link having a sliding slot. A distal end of thedriving link having a sliding element passing through the sliding slotand interacting with the driven link.

In some embodiments, the linkage is configured to allow an operator'shands to remain engaged with handles of the aerator when the pair ofswing arms and the plurality of tines are moving from the operatingposition and the retracted position.

In some embodiments, the turf aerator includes an input coupled to thelinkage. The input includes a release handle that is configured to beselectively engaged by an operator for (i) actuating the linkage totransition the pair of swing arms and the plurality of tines from theretracted position to the operating position and (ii) activating thetine shaft to move the plurality of tines.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerator according to an exemplaryembodiment of the current disclosure, shown with the tine assembly at aretracted position.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are opposite side views of the aerator of FIG. 1 , shownwith the tine assembly at the retracted position.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the aerator of FIG. 1 , shown with the tineassembly at the retracted position.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the aerator of FIG. 1 , shown with the tineassembly at the retracted position.

FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the aerator of FIG. 1 , shown withthe tine assembly at the retracted position.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views of the aerator of FIG. 1 , shownwith the tine assembly at an operating position.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C are partial views of the aerator of FIG. 1 , shownwith the tine assembly at the retracted position.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C are partial views of the aerator of FIG. 1 , shownwith the tine assembly at the operating position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the Figures generally, a turf aerator is shown, accordingto an exemplary embodiment. The turf aerator includes a tine assemblythat is movable between an operating position, where tines perforatesoil underneath the aerator, and a retracted position, in which thetines do not perforate the soil. To move the tine assembly between theoperating position and the retracted position, an operator can usesingle motions, with either one hand or one foot engaging with acomponent of the aerator. In addition, the linkages between an operatorinterface and the components of the aerator are more rigid in nature, ascompared to cables or other flexible linkages that may be used onconventional aerators. In this way, the operation of the aerator issimplified for the operator, and breakages of components, such as cablesor other linkages, may be reduced or eliminated.

FIGS. 1 through 8C show a turf aerator according to one embodiment 100of the current disclosure. The aerator 100 includes a frame 110 withfront and rear ends 110 a, 110 b and a plurality of wheels 112operatively coupled to the frame 110. Two front wheels 112 a and tworear wheels 112 b are shown in the drawings, though more or fewer wheels112 may be included. As is known in the art, the wheels 112 may bepowered by an engine or motor, hydraulically, et cetera.

A retracting tine assembly 120, best shown in FIGS. 5 through 8A, ismovable between an operating position 120 a at which tines 122 of thetine assembly 120 may be used to perforate soil with small holes and aretracted position 120 b at which the tines 122 will not intersect theground. The tine assembly 120 broadly includes a tine crank 121rotatably supported by the frame 110, a plurality of the tines 122coupled to the tine crank 121, a pair of retractor plate swing arms 125,a retractor plate 128 for positioning the tines 122, a keeper bar 131, alatch 135, an input mechanism, such as a release handle 141, releasecable 143, linkage 151, and another input mechanism, such as a pedal159.

As known in the art, the tine crank 121 (FIGS. 6B, 7A, and 8A) may bepowered (i.e., rotated) by a belt and pulley or chain and sprocketpowered by an engine or motor, by a hydraulic motor, battery pack(s) ofa variety of different chemistries, such as lithium-ion, nickel cadmium,lead acid, nickel-metal hydride, et cetera, or otherwise as currentlyknown or later developed. And the tines 122 may be any desired aeratingtines, whether now know or later developed, which may be coupled to andoperated by the tine crank 121.

The pair of retractor plate swing arms 125 are rotatably supported bythe frame 110 at pivot points 126 located at opposite sides of the frame110 (see FIGS. 6A and 6B). The retractor plate 128 is fixed (directly orindirectly) to the swing arms 125 and defines a plurality of openings129 (FIG. 7A) through which the tines 122 pass. The location of theretractor plate 128 determines whether the tine assembly 120 is at theoperating position 120 a or the retracted position 120 b. Morespecifically, when the retractor plate 128 is relatively horizontal asshown in FIG. 6B (the operating position 120 a), the retractor plate 128guides the tines 122 to move toward and away from the ground as the tinecrank 121 rotates; and when the retractor plate 128 is relativelyvertical as shown in FIG. 5 (the retracted position 120 b), theretractor plate 128 supports the tines 122 such that the tines 122cannot interact with the ground. The retractor plate 128 includes slotsthrough which the tines 122 move to contact the ground when in theoperating position 120 a. The retractor plate 128 can also control howfast the aerator 100 moves in the forward direction, while alsosimultaneously helping to propel the aerator 100 in the direction ofmovement. When at the operating position 120 a, the tines 122 aregenerally located between the rear wheels 112 b and preferably do notextend rearwardly beyond the rear wheels 112 b; and when at theretracted position 120 b, at least some of the tines 122 preferablyextend rearwardly of the rear wheels 112 b.

The keeper bar 131 engages with the latch 135 to maintain the tineassembly 120 at the retracted position 120 b. The keeper bar 131 isfixed relative to the swing arms 125 and may extend directly from one orboth swing arms 125 or otherwise be attached to structure extending fromone or both swing arms 125 (such as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, forexample). As shown in FIGS. 7A through 7C, a hook portion 136 of thelatch 135 interacts with the keeper bar 131 to maintain the retractorplate 128 relatively vertical.

The latch 135 is rotatably coupled to the frame 110 at pivot point 137and is biased to hold the keeper bar 131 by a spring 138 (e.g., amechanical spring, gas spring, hydraulic spring, et cetera), as shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B. And the input mechanism or release handle 141 (FIG. 1 )interacts with the latch 135 through the release cable 143, as bestillustrated in FIGS. 7A through 8C. More particularly, one end of thecable 143 is coupled to the handle 141 and another end of the cable 143terminates at a striker 144. A spring 145 biases the striker 144 in adirection that that does not urge the hook portion 136 to disengage thekeeper bar 131. Yet sufficient input from the release handle 141 to thecable 143 causes the striker 144 to overcome the force of the spring 145(and the force of the spring 138), rotating the latch 135 about thepivot point 137 and releasing the keeper bar 131 from the hook portion136. With the keeper bar 131 released from the hook portion 136, gravitycauses the retractor plate 128 to move to be relatively horizontal (andthus the swing arms 125 to rotate about the pivot points 126), such thatthe tine assembly 120 is at the operating position 120 a. A shield 149may be rotatably supported (directly or indirectly) by at least one ofthe swing arms 125 so that the shield 149 lowers to provide a bufferbetween the tines 122 and the operator when the tine assembly 120 is atthe operating position 120 a, as shown in FIG. 6B.

The linkage 151 is provided to move the tine assembly 120 from theoperating position 120 a to the retracted position 120 b. One end 151 aof the linkage 151 terminates at the input mechanism or pedal 159, andanother end 151 b of the linkage 151 is directly or indirectly rotatablycoupled to the swing arm 125 (in the embodiment 100, the end 151 b iscoupled to the keeper bar 131 and has an axis of rotation that iscoaxial with the keeper bar 131; this arrangement may be particularlydesirable). The pedal end 151 a may be coupled to (e.g., throughwelding, bolts, or any other appropriate fastener) or form the pedal159. While the linkage 151 may be configured in various ways, it may beparticularly desirable for the linkage 151 to include a driving link 152associated with the pedal end 151 a and a driven link 156 operable bythe driving link 152. The driving link 152 is rotatably coupled to theframe 110 at pivot point 153 (FIG. 8A), and a biasing member 154 (FIG.6B) biases the driving link 152 such that the pedal 159 is typicallyraised. A distal end of the driving link 152 includes a pin or othersliding element 155 (FIG. 8A) for interacting with the driven link 156,and the driven link 156 includes a sliding slot 157 which interacts withthe sliding element 155. The driven link 156 forms the link end 151 band is coupled to the keeper bar 131 about axis of rotation 158 (FIG.8A).

In use, the tine assembly 120 may start at the retracted position 120 b(FIGS. 1 through 5 and 7A through 7C), with the keeper bar 131 held bythe latch 135 (FIGS. 7A through 7C). The aerator 100 may be easilytransported when the tine assembly 120 is at the retracted position 120b, as the tines 122 cannot interact with the ground. When the operatordesires to use the tines 122, the tine assembly 120 may be quickly movedto the operating position 120 a by actuating the release handle 141.Actuation of the release handle 141 causes the cable 143 to move thestriker 144, overcoming the force of the spring 145 and the spring 138and rotating the latch 135 about the pivot point 137 to release thekeeper bar 131 from the hook portion 136. With the keeper bar 131released from the hook portion 136, gravity causes the retractor plate128 to move to be relatively horizontal (and the swing arms 125 torotate about the pivot points 126), such that the tine assembly 120 isat the operating position 120 a.

Movement of the aerator 100 from the retracted position 120 b to theoperating position 120 a occurs in a single motion by the operator andcan be performed without starting or stopping the engine. Movingconventional aerators into an operating position may require threeseparate steps: (1) engaging the clutch mechanism, (2) moving a lever tolower the tines into an operating position, and (3) grabbing a forwarddirection control to operate the aerator in a forward direction. Whileperforming these steps, an operator must know the sequence in which toperform the steps and must perform the steps relatively quickly. On thecontrary, the aerator 100 described herein allows for a single, fluidmotion to move the tine assembly 120 into an operating position 120 a.Accordingly, the operator does not need to know a certain sequence forperforming the steps and does not need to try to perform three differentmovements in a quick sequence. Instead, using only one hand, theoperator can actuate the release handle 141 to move the aerator 100 intothe operating position 120 a as described above.

To return the tine assembly 120 to the retracted position 120 b, anoperator steps upon the pedal 159 and rotates the driving link 152(e.g., steel linkage) about the pivot point 153. Rotation of the drivinglink 152 causes the sliding element 155 to move along the sliding slot157, ultimately raising the linkage end 151 b (and rotating the swingarm 125) and positioning the keeper bar 131 to be held by the latch 135.Rotation of the swing arm 125 rotates the retractor plate 128, forcingthe tines 122 to be pointed such that they cannot intersect the ground.In some embodiments, the input mechanism or pedal 159 can be a handlever that is operable using a single hand.

In operation, the pedal 159 is operated solely through a steppingmovement such that the operator does not need to use either of his orher hands to operate the pedal 159 to return the tine assembly 120 tothe retracted position 120 b. In this way, the operator's hands are freeto remain engaged with the handles of the aerator 100 during movementfrom the operating position 120 a to the retracted position 120 b.Accordingly, the operator can focus on safely and effectivelymaneuvering the aerator 100 during operation. In addition, in situationswhere the operator may be new to operating the aerator 100, the operatordoes not need to worry about taking his or her hands off of the aerator100 during operation and can learn to operate the hydro-static drivecapabilities of the aerator 100. Conventional aerators may also use aflexible cable linkage to lift a tine assembly out of operation. Incontrast, the aerator 100 uses a solid (e.g., steel) linkage to move thetine assembly 120 into the retracted position 120 b. As such, thelikelihood of a breakage in the linkage, or that the linkage may besnagged on other portions of the aerator 100 or by an operator, isreduced.

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “substantially”,and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony withthe common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art towhich the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should beunderstood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure thatthese terms are intended to allow a description of certain featuresdescribed and claimed without restricting the scope of these features tothe precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms shouldbe interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequentialmodifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimedare considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in theappended claims.

It should be noted that the term “exemplary” as used herein to describevarious embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments arepossible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possibleembodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that suchembodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

Unless described differently above, the terms “coupled,” “connected,”and the like, as used herein, mean the joining of two members directlyor indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g.,permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable, releasable, etc.). Such joiningmay be achieved with the two members or the two members and anyadditional intermediate members being integrally formed as a singleunitary body with one another or with the two members or the two membersand any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,”“above,” “below,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation ofvarious elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientationof various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments,and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the presentdisclosure.

Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in itsexclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list ofelements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in thelist. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, andZ,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood withthe context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may beeither X, Y, Z, X and Y, X and Z, Y and Z, or X, Y, and Z (i.e., anycombination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is notgenerally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at leastone of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present,unless otherwise indicated.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of theelements of the systems and methods as shown in the exemplaryembodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments ofthe present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled inthe art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that manymodifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions,structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values ofparameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies ofthe components described herein may be constructed from any of a widevariety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, inany of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations.Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included withinthe scope of the present inventions. Other substitutions, modifications,changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions,and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments withoutdeparting from scope of the present disclosure or from the spirit of theappended claims.

Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as wellas components not shown, are possible without departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention. Embodiments of the present inventionhave been described with the intent to be illustrative rather thanrestrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisanmay develop alternative means of implementing the aforementionedimprovements without departing from the scope of the present invention.It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are ofutility and may be employed without reference to other features andsubcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Itmay be possible for various steps in described methods to be undertakensimultaneously or in other orders than specifically provided.

What is claimed is:
 1. A turf aerator, comprising: a frame; a tine shaftrotatably supported by the frame; a plurality of tines coupled to thetine shaft; a swing arm supporting the plurality of tines, the swing armbeing rotatably supported by the frame and configured to rotate theplurality of tines between an operating position and a retractedposition; and an input, wherein actuation of the input (i) actuates theswing arm to transition the plurality of tines from the retractedposition to the operating position and (ii) activates the tine shaft tomove the plurality of tines.
 2. The turf aerator of claim 1, wherein thetine shaft is a tine crank shaft, and wherein when the input is notengaged the tine crank shaft is inactive.
 3. The turf aerator of claim1, wherein the input includes a cable and a release handle.
 4. The turfaerator of claim 1, wherein the tine shaft is configured to rotate inthe operating position and the retracted position.
 5. The turf aeratorof claim 1, wherein actuation of the input from a first position to asecond position actuates the plurality of tines to the operatingposition and activates the tine shaft.
 6. The turf aerator of claim 5,wherein the input pivotally actuates between the first position to thesecond position.
 7. The turf aerator of claim 6, wherein the pluralityof tines are maintained in the operating position until actuation of asecond input that is rotatably coupled to the swing arm.
 8. A turfaerator, comprising: a frame; a handle coupled to the frame; a tineshaft rotatably supported by the frame; a plurality of tines coupled tothe tine shaft; a swing arm supporting the plurality of tines, the swingarm being rotatably supported by the frame and configured to rotate theplurality of tines between an operating position and a retractedposition; and an lever pivotally coupled to the handle and pivotallymovable between a first position and a second position, whereinactuation of the lever from the first position to a second position bothactuates the swing arm to transition the plurality of tines from theretracted position to the operating position and activates the tineshaft to move the plurality of tines.
 9. The turf aerator of claim 8,wherein the tine shaft is a tine crank shaft, and wherein when the inputis not engaged the tine crank shaft is inactive.
 10. The turf aerator ofclaim 8, wherein the lever is coupled to a cable.
 11. The turf aeratorof claim 8, wherein the tine shaft is configured to rotate in theoperating position and the retracted position.
 12. The turf aerator ofclaim 8, wherein the plurality of tines are maintained in the operatingposition until actuation of a second input that is rotatably coupled tothe swing arm.
 13. The turf aerator of claim 12, wherein the secondinput is in the form of a pedal.
 14. A turf aerator, comprising: aframe; a handle coupled to the frame; a tine shaft rotatably supportedby the frame; a plurality of tines coupled to the tine shaft; a swingarm supporting the plurality of tines, the swing arm being rotatablysupported by the frame and configured to rotate the plurality of tinesbetween an operating position and a retracted position; and an handlever pivotally coupled to the handle and movable between a firstposition where the hand lever is oriented perpendicular to the handleand a second position where the hand lever is oriented parallel to thehandle, wherein actuation of the lever from the first position to asecond position both actuates the swing arm to transition the pluralityof tines from the retracted position to the operating position andactivates the tine shaft to move the plurality of tines.
 15. The turfaerator of claim 14, wherein the tine shaft is a tine crank shaft, andwherein when the hand lever is in the first position, the tine crankshaft is inactive.
 16. The turf aerator of claim 14, wherein the handlever is coupled to a cable.
 17. The turf aerator of claim 14, whereinthe tine shaft is configured to rotate in the operating position and theretracted position.
 18. The turf aerator of claim 14, wherein theplurality of tines are maintained in the operating position untilactuation of a second input that is rotatably coupled to the swing arm.19. The turf aerator of claim 18, wherein the second input is in theform of a pedal.
 20. The turf aerator of claim 19, wherein the pedal iscoupled to a linkage and the linkage is coupled to the swing arm.